"8 Million Strong and Voting!" Small business is the heart beat of the United States economy. This blog searches for issues and answers to helping small business survive and thrive in California and the United States.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Charlie Brown and NoRTEC

A small business hero died last Friday. His name is Charlie Brown and he ran the Northern Training Employment Consortium NoRTEC. I first met Charlie when I was appointed to the State Workforce Investment Board. Charlie had a novel approach to job creation and that was to see business and especially small business as the customers of NoRTEC and if done right they would create jobs.

Well Charlie and the people of NoRTEC do it right and NoRTEC has been recognized Nationally for their tremendous work in not only helping businesses but training and placing people in good jobs.

On a personal level Charlie was a mentor to me and he was always there to give me support and guidance. I will miss him greatly.

To find out more about NoRTEC and Charlie's legacy please visit their website at www.nortec.org

I'm very sorry to tell you that Charlie passed away peacefully on Friday evening. He was at home with Terri and their daughters at his side.

I spent some time with Terrianne yesterday. I think she is doing as well as can be expected, but this has been extremely difficult for her and the family. I know that they would appreciate your prayers and support.

At Charlie's request, there are no services planned. If you would like to send Terrianne a card, her address is: 5797 Thoreau Ln, Paradise, CA 95969.

One of the last things that Charlie told Terri was: "Don't you dare cancel the board meeting!" We are not going to go against his wishes, so we will have the board meeting as planned next Thursday. We are planning an abbreviated agenda with time for people to share their thoughts about Charlie.

As you know, Charlie ran NoRTEC like a family. This has also been very difficult for the NoRTEC family. We would also appreciate your prayers and support. The office will be closed on Tuesday in Charlie's honor.

No comments:

About Me

Small Business California is a proactive, non-partisan business advocate whose only agenda is the well being of California’s 3.2 million small businesses. Working for all small businesses for a better business environment, SB-Cal is responsive to the needs of small business owners.
Section 6033(e) Notice and Disclaimer:
Small Business California engages in lobbying activities on behalf of its members. Approximately 35% of your dues contribution goes to support these lobbying activities, and, we believe, is not deductible as a business expense under Section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code. Please consult your own accountant or tax attorney.